50Th Anniversary Legacy

spring 2020 50th Anniversary Legacy

Law School Hopeful Seeks to Give Voices to Those That Go Unheard

Shayna Begay: Rocket Scientist

American Indian Graduate Center Scholar Uses Culture and Heritage to Transform Native Healthcare

American Indian Graduate Center Impacts Tribal Sovereignty

Long Way Around: Native Librarian Advises, ‘It’s OK to Switch Gears’ The Center for Native Scholarships is Turning 50 Years Old!

50th Anniversary Gala: A Nation of Scholars

March 25, 2020 - 6 pm to 9 pm

The Coasterra Event Center and Harbor Float San Diego, California!

For more information, visit: AIGCS.org/AIGC50

AIGC Scholar Sedelta Oosahwee Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation/Cherokee The American Indian Graduate Volume 18, Number 1, Spring 2020

Message from the Executive Director ...... 5 The American Indian Graduate Volume 18, Number 1 AIGC Impact ...... 6 A Publication of the Law School Hopeful Seeks to Give Voices to Those That Go Unheard...... 9 American Indian Graduate Center by Freida Wiley 3701 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Suite 200 Albuquerque, NM 87110 Shayna Begay: Rocket Scientist...... 14 Phone: (505) 881-4584 by Alastair Lee Bitsóí Fax: (505) 884-0427 Website: www.AIGCS.org

American Indian Graduate Center Scholar Uses Culture and Heritage to Publisher ...... Angelique Albert Transform Native Healthcare 21 Executive Director By Frieda Wiley Executive Editor Sara LaBarge American Indian Graduate Center Impacts Tribal Sovereignty...... 24 by Lindsay Mahaney Contributing Editor Lindsay Mahaney 50th Anniversary Legacy...... 32 Creative Director by Sedelta Oosahwee Laboraex Abeita

Long Way Around: Native Librarian Advises, ‘It’s OK to Switch Gears’ ...... 40 AIGC Board of Directors by Kim Baca Holly Cook Macarro ...... President Lightning Woman 45 Red Lake Band of Ojibwe by Kelly Rae Cleveland Walter Lamar ...... Vice President 2019 AIGC Students of the Month 46 Blackfeet, Witchita

Aurene M. Martin Secretary/Treasurer Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Joel M. Frank Sr. Seminole Tribe of Florida

Stacy Leeds Contact Us Cherokee Nation

Mailing List: Sign up on our website to receive future issues. Ernie Stevens, Jr. Oneida Nation of Wisconsin Advertising: To advertise in the American Indian Graduate, please send an e-mail to: [email protected]. Dana Arviso Reprints and Permissions: Reprints of published articles and/or artwork are prohibited without permission Diné of American Indian Graduate Center. Hud Oberly American Indian Graduate Center, 3701 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, Comanche/Osage/Caddo (505) 881-4584 phone, (505) 884-0427 fax. Cover Image: Visit us online! AIGCS.org Larry Echo Hawk © 2020 AIGC, Inc. All rights reserved. Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma Published submissions and advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views of AIGC, Inc.

The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 3 Celebrating 50 Years Celebrating 50 Years

Xẹst Sx̣lx̣alt (Good Day)!

ItIt isis aa pleasure pleasure and and an an honor honor to beto writingbe writing you justyou ajust a few short weeks away from American few short weeks away from Americanth Indian Graduate Indian Graduate Center’s 50 Anniversary Gala: A Nation of Scholars on March 25, 2020 from 6 Center’s 50th Anniversary Gala: A Nation of Scholars on to 9 PM at the Coasterra Event Center and Harbor Float in San Diego. March 25, 2020, from 6 to 9 PM at the Coasterra Event ̣est S x̣lx̣alt (Good Day) X Center and Harbor Float in San Diego. This momentous occasion honoring our 50-year legacy will bring together hundreds of to be writing to you at the dawn of a momentous occasion for Americanlegacy Indian. American Graduate Indian It is a Americanpleasure and Indian an honor Graduate Center alumni and leaders throughout, we are Indian proud Country. of our 50Featuring-year This momentous occasion honoring Centerour 50-year for legacyNative Scholarships . – our 50th Anniversary! As the since inception Centerwillperformances bring together from hundreds our talented of American community Indian Gradu of- scholars and alumni, this celebration helps Graduateateprovide Center Center scholarships alumni awarded and leaders $15 and million academic throughout in scholarships support Indian Coun to annually-students andpursuing more theirthan $200undergraduate, million graduate of American Indian Graduate Center and try.and Featuring professional performances degreesincredible from across our talented thisorganization, Nat commuion. We I- could will also not be moreinducting proud three prestigious alumni you will As Executive Director of this Enclosed in this package nityto our of scholars inaugural and alumni, American owardthis celebration Indian empowering Graduate helps provide Native Center students Hall of pursuing Fame! higher education. . This year we are the accomplishmentsscholarships and academic made t support to students pursuing wonderful scholars, alumni, partners and programs and our 2019 Annual Report, which highlights our more than $14.55 million in scholarships find their undergraduate, graduate and professional representing degrees 202 Nations with Featured have in supported this issue 1,340 of American scholars Indian Graduate Magazine is a timeline. of our incredible thrilledacross to this Nation. We will also be inducting three presti- Native students impactservices on American designed Indian specifically and Alaska to address Native the studentsneeds of pursuing education since the inception academicgious alumni to our inaugural American Indian Graduate I am always of our organization in 1969. What started as a movementstudents toward to selfachieve-governance their highest has growncareer ambitions. Center Hall of Fame! elected President of the Americaninto American Indian Graduate Indian Graduate Center encourages Center becoming and empowers The Center for Native Scholarships. Fawn Sharp was scholars and alumni can accomplish. This year, amazedFeatured at what in this our issue exceptional of American Indian Graduate Maga- of American Indians, Jade Herman served as South Dakota SchoolI. Kinney of Mines served & Technology’s as Executive TribalDirector of NationalzineAs Executive is Congress a timeline Director, of our incredible I could impactnot be on more American proud of American Indian JavierGraduate Center and the and watching them flourish in their liaison,Indianmany Bo and wonderfulShimmin Alaska Nativeearned accomplishments students a Fulbright pursuing Teaching of our education scholars Assistantship andation alumni in forItaly overthe and work the yearswe do – from Larry Echo Our students are the inspiration and motiv the Yuroksince the Tribe. inception of our organization in 1969. What . Hawk (Pawnee Nationand beyond of Oklahoma) is an indicator being of elected our success the firstas an Native organization State Attorney General in educationalstartedU.S. history as journey a movement to Shayna toward Begay self-governance(Navajo Nation )has serving on the flight safety team of the Mars

grownRover into Curiosity American Program Indian Graduate. Our scholars Center becominghavebe the done opportunity. In 2019 alone, to attain the collective higher education, unmet need better of our scholarshipNot to mention DespiteThe Center decades for ofNative success, Scholarships. there is still work to Angelique Albert - Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes their lives and give back to theireven Tribal after communities. receiving support They from are Americanthe inspiration Indian and Graduateresources motivation Center.. Your for generous recipients totaled over $25 million we were unable fund due to a lack of the work that we do and watching them flourish in their educational journey. and beyond is an there is an additional 90% of Native students whostudents to and through college Asindicator Executive of Director, our success I could as not an be empoweringorganization more proud of American Indian Graduate Center and the many wonderful accomplishments contributionsof our scholars allow and us alumni to continue over the years – from Larry Echo Hawk (Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma) being elected the first Native ’s On behalf of American Indian Graduate Center State Attorney General in U.S. history to Shayna Begay (Navajo Nation) serving on the quality assurance and systems engineering at our 50th Anniversary Gala on March 25, 2020 As teamweAs thelook for largest allahead, U.S. nuclearscholarship we invite weapons. you provider to Our join scholars usto inNative thehave next thestudentsjoin opportunitysteps us in of incelebrating our the to journey. United attain higher States, education, the legacy better American their lives and give back please accept this invitation to . This event helps provide scholarships and BoardtoIndian their of Directors, TribalGraduate communities. Center Theyis most are theproud inspiration of is our and alumni motivation. On for behalf in the San work of Diego American that we do Indianand watching Graduate them flourish in their at the Coasterra Event Center and Harbor Float fromeducationalCenter’s 6 to 9 PMBoard journey of and Directors, beyond isI woan indicatoruld like ofto our extend success a warmas an organization invitation to continue celebrating academicthat legacy support with to us students this year. pursuing Join us their in supporting undergraduate, Native graduate students and today, professional tomorrow degrees and across for the this Nation.

Asnext the 50 largest years! scholarship provider to Native students in the United States, the legacy American Indian Graduate Center is most Support American Indian Graduate Center in our efforts to fulfill the unmet financial need of every Native student pursuing proud of is our alumni. On behalf of American Indian Graduate Center’s Board of Directors, I would like to extend a warm invitation higherto continue education celebrating today, that tomorrow legacy with and us thisfor year.the nextJoin us50 in years. supporting Native students today, tomorrow and for the next 50 years! Lemlmtš (Thank You),

LemlmtLemlmtšš (Thank (Thank You), You), Angelique Albert Executive Director

Angelique Albert Angelique Albert ExecutiveAIGC Executive Director Director

4 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 25701 Bleed: 8.75x11.25 Live: 7x9.5 Trim: 8.5x11 4C Achieving great things for our community

Symbolizing a legacy of strength, identity, and heritage — what is shared today will last for generations.

Congratulations, American Indian Graduate Center, on 50 amazing years.

The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 5

25701_CBCL-CB-CB_2020_Adshop_PRNTAS_A1.indd 1 1/15/20 11:55 AM AMERICAN INDIAN GRADUATE CENTER ANNUAL IMPACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019

Total Amount Awarded: $14,551,821

Average Award Amount: $10,408

Native Scholars Funded: 1,340 Consolidated AIGC/AIGCS Student Data Academic year 2018-2019

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The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 7 8 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org Law School Hopeful Seeks to Give Voices to Those That Go Unheard by Frieda Wiley

When Ruben Zendejas’ (Omaha Tribe of Nebraska) father first introduced him to traditional Native American dance, the young boy never fathomed the experience would plant dormant seeds, patiently awaiting their chance to grow.

AIGC Scholar Ruben Zendejas- Omaha Tribe of Nebraska

The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 9 AIGC Scholar Ruben Zendejas- Omaha Tribe of Nebraska

His father, a Tribal court judge of Utah, in 2012. He joined a dance dresses made out of paper half-Omaha descent, wanted his group that focused on Native bags. His observation inspired son to connect with his Indige- American and Latin dancing. him to find a way to teach nous heritage. At the time, the Over the next five years, Zende- Native urban youth about their eight-year-old never considered jas rediscovered and deepened how Native dance might shape his connection with Omaha “Back then, learning the man he would become. Tribal dance and culture; he Tribal dance was probably also learned about other Native my closest tie to Native “Back then, learning Tribal American Tribes. The dance American culture,” - Ruben Zandejas dance was probably my closest troop also became the catalyst tie to Native American culture,” for two pivotal moments in his Zendejas said. life. culture through art, song and The first event happened on dance. He joined forces with his Fast forward a decade, those a crisp November day when sister and planned to put on a seeds would begin to blossom Zendejas walked into an pow-wow for Native children. when he enrolled at Brigham elementary school classroom The duo applied for a grant Young University in Provo, and saw children wearing head- from Running Strong for Ameri-

10 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org can Youth to fund the program and were awarded the grant in May of 2016. In partnership with the Provo City School District, the Zendejas siblings put on a one-time event in Provo, Utah, in April of the following year. The week-long event took place at the end of the 2016-2017 school year and included work- shops on traditional dances such as hoop dance and grass dance. The event also offered classes on storytelling, drum- ming and moccasin-making.

Zendejas’ second turning point occurred when the dance group went on tour, bringing his journey into full bloom. Zendejas and his teammates traveled the globe, sharing their dancing with people in Europe, the South Pacific and Central Amer- ica. Introducing his culture to new audiences gave him a sense of pride—much like what his father must have felt when he showed him a traditional dance several years beforehand. AIGC Scholar Ruben Zendejas- Omaha Tribe of Nebraska

But a 2018 trip to Brazil would prove transformative. The startling revelation that helped ments back home, and he felt group had a once-in-a-lifetime him draw a vital link between an immediate connection. opportunity to meet Indige- all peoples—both those with nous Tribes living in the north- and without Indigenous roots. “Even though there are very big ern part of the country near The social dance looked oddly cultural differences, meeting the Amazonian border. While familiar. He noticed some of people from all over the world watching the Natives engage the movements bore striking helped me to make connections in a social dance, he made a similarities to Native move- that tied everyone together,”

The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 11 he said. “It helped me to see Albuquerque, NM native of at the University of Nebraska. the humanity, and that some Pueblo of Ysleta Del Sur descent Although profoundly inspired aspects of the culture are very in 2016. They welcomed their by his father’s journey, Zende- united because of it.” first child—a son—in May 2019. jas strives to blaze his own path in the legal field by giving a While his involvement in Native voice to those whose cries have “My love for my family American dancing gave him a fallen upon deaf ears. Inspired and my heritage are what stronger sense of identity, he guide me in my life,” by issues affecting the Native valued the merit of interna- - Ruben Zandejas American community such as tional experiences as well as a the Dakota pipeline and lack of sense of community and service visibility to Native youth of East- to others. The devout Latter- After graduating in Decem- ern Utah, he hopes to work for Day Saint took two years off ber 2019, the Omaha native an organization that champi- from college to do missionary said he has his sights set on ons Native American issues and work in Brazil. As a Portuguese law school—the predominant rights such as Native American major with a minor in nonprofit profession in his family. With an Rights Fund. management, the opportu- unyielding desire to give back, nity allowed him to help others he plans to study Indigenous law “My main priority is affecting while perfecting his language and to continue working within nationwide change by address- skills. Through it all, Zendejas the Native American commu- ing problems within Indian remains grateful, attributing his nity. Two of his sisters are asso- country,” he said. “Issues with global experiences and adven- ciate judges in the Winnebago the Dakota access pipeline tures to the support he received Tribe, and another one of his arose because of the tribe’s from American Indian Graduate sisters recently passed her bar sovereignty not being recog- Center. exam. nized and their voices not being heard.” “I had an unconventional Zendejas’ father began his college experience, and Amer- career as a Tribal court judge. Just as he used dance as a way ican Indian Graduate Center has He switched to academia to communicate and connect really helped me financially,” he shortly thereafter, teaching with others, Zendejas will prob- said. “I haven’t had to work to Native American studies at vari- ably do the same in a court of be able to participate in the ous universities before concen- law, planting seeds of change dance group or travel the world trating the majority of his time along the way. to share my culture with others.” at the University of Nebraska at “My love for my family and Omaha. The scholar has since my heritage are what guide me He also credits the organiza- returned to the bench, splitting in my life,” he said. “The deci- tion with helping him realize his time between serving as a sions I make and how I support his dreams of starting a family. Tribal court judge and teaching my family and Indian culture are Zendejas married his wife, an emergency Tribal management what drive me.”

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Learning how Coyote created the galaxies from one of her uncles as a child inspired Shayna Begay (Navajo Nation/Jewish) to study the universe.

14 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org AIGCS Scholar Shayna Begay - Navajo Nation

The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 15 AIGCS Scholar Shayna Begay - Navajo Nation

16 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org These teachings about the Diné (Navajo) universe ignited Begay’s curiosity, who after a hot summer day of herding sheep with her two sisters, would look up into the starry nights for constellations like the Three Sisters – or Orion’s Belt.

“My uncle told me about the Coyote Story – how the constellations were formed,” Begay said. From Diné creation, Begay learned about the intellectual designers – the Holy People, or Diyin Diné’e. “As the Holy people were arguing, Coyote got frus- trated and threw the stars in the sky. AIGCS Scholar Shayna Begay - Navajo Nation That’s how Coyote created the Milky Way.”

of its 50th anniversary. the most impactful was her visit to the Begay calls Northern Navajo Agency Meteor Crater near Winslow, Arizona. in Dinétah home – where she learned The massive crater, caused by a colli- about science and traditional cultural sion between earth and space over knowledge. Her grandmother, “I’m happy to do what I can 50,000 years ago, is where Shayna saw whether she knew it or not, taught to support American Indian Graduate Center, so they can her life journey unfold. math concepts through rug-weaving. continue to help the next Helping her family’s business with the generation of Native students.” Among the scientists and engineers creation of jewelry and art to sell to - Shayna Begay listed on the wall at the Meteor Crater tourists at Four Corners Monument gift shop, she saw many esteemed also taught her about being a team Along with Diné cultural histories, it contributors to the space sciences. player. was also her parents who continuously However, she saw no one like her – fed her curiosity. For instance, Begay Native, Indigenous, or Diné. She told All of these experiences inspired was exposed to intellectual conversa- her parents that one day she would Begay’s STEM interest as a young tions of blackholes at Diné College. be up there. girl, and inspired her to be the rocket Summer enrichment programs at Cal scientist she is today. Or as she says in Tech and the University of Denver, as “That’s the earliest instance of where her own words, a “rocket surgeon” for well as seasonal trips on and off the I can think about doing what I wanted the National Nuclear Security Admin- Navajo Nation with her family, also to do when I grew up,” Begay says. istration’s Sandia National Laborato- shaped Begay. ries in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Begay approached higher education “When I would go back to school, I with the goal of being an aerospace “Where I come from, my family would would read about what I was seeing engineer. Eventually, she matricu- not have been able to afford to put and learning in the night time from lated to the Florida Institute of Tech- me through college. I worked hard my family,” she said. “To me that nology (FIT), a feeder school of NASA in school, so that I could earn schol- Scientists and Engineers. At FIT, she was biggest inspiration growing up – arships and help offset the cost of achieved both her Bachelor’s and seeing all these stars.” attending college,” Begay said, noting Master’s degree in aerospace engi- that she’s grateful to American Indian neering. One trip that Begay remembers being Graduate Center to feature her as part

The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 17 Begay cites American Indian Graduate Center Scholars admin- istered Gates Millennium scholarship as a beneficial resource to navigate the rigor of FIT and the challenge of being homesick. From comparing and contrasting the various worldviews of space science, she saw how traditional cultural knowledge provided her a unique perspective to study aerospace engineering in the university. For example, western science and Indigenous teachings have more things in common, like how the Diné Creation Story is a narrative of evolution, she says.

“People pull some stock in the western world, but looking at the Creation story of the Diné – I have immense respect when you look at it from a scientific perspective, since it is a story of evolution,” Begay adds.

After graduating from FIT, Begay arrived at Sandia National Labo- ratories. She is one of the engineers responsible for quality AIGCS Scholar Shayna Begay with Bill Gates assurance and systems engineering for all U.S. nuclear weapons, “I am one of many who work on build- anniversary. “It is incredibly humbling, as well as the development, testing ing the shaft and feathers,” Shayna and I’m a huge advocate for American and production of specialized nonnu- explains. “I like to perfect the shaft Indian Graduate Center. They have clear components. of the bow. The arrowhead is one been really good to me in supporting part, but I’m focused on the shaft,” me through school,” she says. “I’m To better explain her technical role at all of which help the arrow travel to happy to do what I can to support Sandia National Laboratories, Begay its target. American Indian Graduate Center, employs the analogy of a bow and so they can continue to help the next arrow weapon. She creates the shaft Begay’s personal and academic jour- generation of native students.” of the bow. The shaft, so to speak, ney is why American Indian Gradu- is the most important part of any ate Center is featuring her for its 50th nuclear technology she helps design.

18 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org

AIGC Scholar Chenoa Bah Stillwell Jensen - Navajo Nation

20 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org American Indian Graduate Center Scholar Uses Culture and Heritage to Transform Native Healthcare By Frieda Wiley

In the 1970s, a young father impassioned by the political climate in the United States wanted to give his daughter a name he hoped would temper the tumultuous unrest in the world into which she was born.

He ultimately settled on “Chenoa,” her life’s purpose. In fact, she introduces Albuquerque, New Mexico. She affec- meaning “white dove” in the Algonquin herself to new people in Diné, her first tionately calls each place home. Her close language, relishing the peaceful nature of language—even when they neither speak family ties not only shaped her childhood the gentle birds. He and Chenoa’s moth- nor understand her ancestral tongue. But experience, but they also laid the founda- er’s family, added “Bah,” a Diné (Navajo) she doesn’t do it as a form of cultural tion for how she would define her values name meaning “woman warrior,” with the resistance or isolationism; she does so to and the service-oriented career path she idea that their daughter would one day connect and engage with others. would ultimately pursue. grow into a fearless woman who fought for peace. “Our greeting in the traditional Diné way Growing up, she bore witness to rela- is an introduction and protocol of who tives who had various illnesses traversing Years later, Chenoa Bah Stilwell-Jensen we are, where we are from and how we the journey of health. She spent the first (Navajo Nation) lives up to her name. The connect with other human beings,” she ten years of her life watching her grand- University of New Mexico instructor is a says. “Greeting people in Diné is how I mother tackle what she describes as “pain- humble, conscientious woman who cham- begin communication and how I honor my ful health challenges”—resulting from a pions cultural awareness and public health ancestors and cultural lifeways.” lifelong battle with tuberculosis before ulti- issues affecting the Native community— mately succumbing to the disease. The all while maintaining a strong sense of her Perhaps Stilwell-Jensen’s strong sense experience profoundly affected the young cultural identity. of self stems from her bicultural upbring- child and helped shape her perspective on ing, which she said helped her identify how people could counter adversity with While some people reserve specific times her purpose early on in her life. Born to resilience. to observe their cultural practices in a Navajo mother and a father of English private settings, Stilwell-Jensen carries her and French-Canadian lineage, she split Stilwell-Jensen also saw her mother culture with her wherever she goes, seeing her childhood between rural and urban valiantly battle and overcome breast her cultural identity as a full extension of communities in Tseyahtoh, Corrales and cancer. The experience gave her firsthand

The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 21 exposure to integrative medicine, as her Schools. After a little more than three Degree in Community Health Education mother routinely incorporated traditional years of service, she co-founded a school, and for her Doctoral studies in Health and ceremonial practices before engaging in the Native American Community Acad- Cultural Communication at the University modern medical treatment. emy (NACA)—a public community char- of New Mexico. She is grateful for Amer- ter school in Albuquerque for grades ican Indian Graduate Center’s academic “Through family support, we were able 6-12. Established in 2005, Stilwell-Jen- scholarships and the continual reinforce- to communicate ways to help her find sen’s daughter attended the institution ment for her learning path. her strength through a traditional Diné and graduated in 2019. Stilwell-Jensen practitioner to lay the foundation of what Stilwell-Jensen continues to draw inspi- source of ceremonial or spiritual healing ration from her heritage and her tireless “My driving purpose in life and was needed,” Stilwell-Jensen says. driving passion is to be of service quest to thrive in professional environ- to humanity and helping people ments while supporting her community The family relied on the traditional cultural who have been marginalized,” within the holistic dimension of wellness. consultations to guide the next steps of - Chenoa Bah Stillwell Jensen Now a mother of a young college student, the healing process and select the cere- she wants to pass her teachings on to her mony that Stilwell-Jensen’s mother daughter as well as her community. needed to ease her response to conven- would spend more than half a decade tional modern treatments. Engaging in there, supporting the school as a commu- “My driving purpose in life and driving traditional ceremonial healing approaches nity wellness volunteer. During this time, passion is to be of service to humanity and prepared her mother for breast cancer she also worked with NM Appleseed, helping people who have been marginal- surgery and healing through modern a nonprofit organization founded by a ized,” she said. “As I’ve walked my path medicine. These experiences awak- lawyer striving to improve the lives of the in life, I’ve done so to honor the teach- ened Stilwell-Jensen’s sense of empathy, poor and underserved through systemic ings of our Indigenous lifeways as we all making her keenly aware of the power- change. contribute to being of service to humanity ful impact honoring cultural practices can throughout the world.” have on a person’s health. In addition to teaching a diverse range of communication courses, including inter- “The influential mother and grandmother cultural communication, health commu- figures of my life have made me a stron- nication, conflict ger woman,” Stilwell-Jensen says. “Their management experiences have empowered me to and mediation, listen deeply to people and how they tran- at the University scend illness through cultural and ceremo- of New Mexico, nial support as well as modern medical Stilwell-Jen- support.” sen has spent the last three An innovative thinker, Stillwell-Jensen years working has devoted her career to health educa- as a cultural tion. She worked in similar environ- care provider ments, including prevention research at for a community the University of New Mexico and pedi- clinic where she atric settings and school-based health focuses on tradi- science centers. Regardless of where she tional wellness. is employed, she remains focused on one central goal: to provide Native people The well- with supportive resources to enhance their ness advo- physical well-being. cate is grateful for American The New Mexico native’s initial profes- Indian Graduate sional endeavor was in quality manage- Center’s contri- ment for a health plan. She then transi- bution to her A Four-Year Institution tioned into a role as a coordinator for a career develop- substance abuse and alcohol preven- ment by fund- ASSOCIATE’S tion program within Albuquerque Public ing her Master’s BACHELOR’S CERTIFICATES

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The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 23 American Indian Graduate Center Impacts Tribal Sovereignty by Lindsay Mahaney

Throughout American Indian Graduate Center’s 50-year history, the organization has made a lasting impact on Indian Country.

Having contributed to over 1,300 law degrees – have made across the country through court deci- including Larry Echo Hawk’s (Pawnee Nation of Okla- sions in their favor, as well as legislation that has made homa) Juris Doctorate – American Indian Graduate it through. I think at virtually every turn there were Center alumni serve as Tribal lawyers, elected offi- Native Americans lawyers involved.” cials, advocates and more. American Indian Graduate Center serves Tribes to “I think it’s difficult to measure what the true impact fulfill the self-determined needs of Indian Coun- is [of American Indian Graduate Center], but it has try, such as the need for Native representation in been enormous,” Echo Hawk said. “I don’t know who the law field. Echo Hawk recalled being one of the could calculate what the performance measures have few minority students pursuing a law degree at the been other than looking at the strides that Tribes University of Utah. According to Echo Hawk, there

24 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org AIGC Alumnus Larry Echo Hawk - Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma

The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 25 wasn’t even a textbook for most of his courses because the study of Indian Law was such a new concept.

“Native Americans are heavily involved in legal matters, their trea- ties and their governments. But there were virtually no Indian lawyers out there,” he said. “To get a law education would help to lift Native Amer- ican people, protect their lands and resources in the future and uphold their treaty rights.”

Despite being one of the few early Native law scholars, Echo Hawk used his drive and passion to positively impact Indian Country to pave the way for Native representation. In the 1980’s, he served two consecutive terms in the Idaho House of Repre- sentatives. Then in 1990, Echo Hawk was elected the first Native State Attorney General in U.S. history.

“To get a law education would help to lift Native American people, protect their lands and resources in the future and uphold their treaty rights.” - Larry Echo Hawk

However, Echo Hawk’s impact reached even further when he was

selected as the Interior Department’s AIGC Alumna Santee Lewis - Navajo Nation 11th Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs under the Obama administration in 2009. During his eight years of service in the Department of the accomplishments during his tenure just unprecedented,” Echo Hawk Interior, Echo Hawk advised and as the formation of the Tribal Leader- said. “What we were able to accom- impacted large-scale change for ship Conference – an annual meeting plish was a team effort.” Indian Country – including the imple- between President Obama and lead- mentation of the Tribal Law and Order ers of the 564 federally recognized While American Indian Graduate Act and returning over 158,000 acres Tribes in the United States at the time. Center supports students pursuing of land in trust for Tribes. degrees in any academic field, law “To have that kind of leadership at the consistently ranks in the top areas of Echo Hawk cited one of the biggest top of the federal government was study for scholars along with educa-

26 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org tion and social work. In fact, since legislators, Tribal chairmen or presi- When she reflects on her career, 2014 more than 500 Native schol- dents. I think American Indian Grad- Lewis said she uses her degree to look ars have received funding to pursue uate Center has really helped inspire for new and different ways to serve a law degree from American Indian leadership,” she said. her people – and encourages future Graduate Center – many of whom scholars to do the same by studying a now work in leadership positions like Lewis was selected to represent the variety of law areas, like securities law Santee Lewis (Navajo Nation), Execu- Navajo Nation as part of Navajo Pres- or oil and gas law. tive Director of Navajo Nation Wash- ident Jonathan Nez’s Cabinet in 2019. ington Office. However, she originally worked as an auditor. After receiving a Bachelor of “Contributing to the fabric “Some of my closest colleagues Business Administration in Account- of Tribal sovereignty, that’s have worked for the White House ing, Lewis spent the next seven years what National Indian Gaming Association does. We’re and in the executive branch of the working as an auditor for the Navajo a resource for Tribes and U.S. Government, and are now state Nation, Chickasaw Nation and the Tribal Governments.” Department of Interior. But in the - Jason Giles back of her mind, Lewis knew she “Let’s push the could have a greater impact on her boundaries – don’t Tribal community – which is why she “We need professionals in these very pigeonhole yourself.” returned to school for MBA and Juris specialized fields,” she said. “Let’s - Santee Lewis Doctorate degrees. push the boundaries – don’t pigeonhole yourself.”

AIGC Alumnus Jason Giles - Muscogee Creek

The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 27 AIGC Alumna Margo Hill - Spokane Tribe

Jason Giles (Muscogee Creek), because we work so closely with the conversations pertaining to Tribal Executive Director of the National Congress and also regulatory agen- sovereignty. Indian Gaming Association (NIGA), cies where law is created.” is another leader for Indian Coun- Prior to the advocacy of organiza- “The more information we can get try based in Washington D.C. As the tions like NIGA, Giles explained that out to Tribes and Tribal Governments Executive Director of NIGA, Giles the better, because that aides them describes himself as an advocate for in making decisions and they can see Indian Country. The non-profit orga- “I went to school to fight how the federal government is treat- nization is made up of 184 Indian for Tribal Sovereignty and ing them,” Giles explained. Nations representing Tribes and to serve my people,” businesses engaged in Tribal gaming - Margo Hill “Contributing to the fabric of Tribal enterprises. It operates as an educa- sovereignty, that’s what National tional, legislative and public policy Indian Gaming Association does. resource on Indian gaming issues and Tribes were often not well informed We’re a resource for Tribes and Tribal Tribal community development. on the legislative work happening in Governments.” Washington D.C. until it was too late Giles said that in his role a law degree to make an impact. With support from Similar to Giles, former Tribal attorney is a huge asset to advocate for Indian NIGA, Tribes can receive accurate Margo Hill (Spokane Tribe) describes Country, “It is a critical resource information sooner and be involved in herself as a servant leader for Indian

28 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org Country. As the first and only Tribal compacts in good faith to allow ing Native representation in the law member of the Spokane Tribe to Tribes to offer casino-style gaming if field. receive a law degree, she noted that it is allowed in the state. However, the her legal background has led her to a Washington State Gambling Commis- “Having funding from American life of service to her community. sion was not acting in good faith, Indian Graduate Center and the trying to dictate the casino hours of support of Indian Country is really “I went to school to fight for Tribal operation, square footage, betting powerful,” Hill said. “That’s why many Sovereignty and to serve my people,” limits and more, Hill said. of us go to law school – we’re trying she said. to help our people. When you are “The Spokane Tribe fought. I sat backed by American Indian Gradu- Throughout Hill’s more than ten-year at those tables and argued for the ate Center, you feel supported.” tenure as a Tribal attorney she fought Spokane Tribe to have Tribal sover- in many cases to promote Tribal eignty and to have a gaming compact For future Native law scholars, Echo Sovereignty. She specifically noted that was fair.” Hawks imparts the same advice his the Spokane Tribe’s gaming compact brother, John Echo Hawk, gave him – with the State of Washington, stat- The Spokane Tribe’s efforts resulted to live a life of service. ing it was probably one of the most in a Tribal-State Class III Gaming important fights for Tribal Sovereignty Compact that was reached with the “Your education will give you the that she encountered. State of Washington in February 2007. power to change the lives of your people. There’s nothing more satisfy- According to the Indian Gaming As the largest scholarship provider for ing that a person can do than to give Regulatory Act (IGRA), passed by American Indians and Alaska Natives service to a community of people.” the U.S. Congress in 1988, states in the United States, American Indian are required to negotiate gaming Graduate Center is a force in facilitat-

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The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 29 Special thanks to the following sponsors of the 50th Anniversary Gala: A Nation of Scholars

COMPANY/ORGANIZATION INDIVIDUALS Wells Fargo Tanaya Winder Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Holly Cook Macarro Poarch Band of Creek Indians Stacy Leeds Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians Aurene Martin AMERIND Risk Robert Miller Eighth Generation S&K Technologies IN-KIND SPONSORS Clifton Larson Allen Tanaya Winder Procopio Law Native News Online Albuquerque Community Foundation Nike N7 Nike N7, Wells Fargo Native News Online Goldman Sachs We Rise Together NIGA alumni donors American Indian Science and Engineering Society American Indian College Fund Indigenous Education Inc.

30 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org

32 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org by Sedelta Oosahwee The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 33 As American Indian Graduate Center begins to celebrate its 50th anniversary, it is important to look back at the history of the organization and the people’s whose foresight and vision led to the creation of American Indian Graduate Center.

One of the cofounders of what today is known Bennett saw an opportunity for Indian people as American Indian Graduate Center was Robert which ultimately created opportunities for L. Bennett (Oneida). thousands of Native students over the last 50 years. Charles “Chuck” Trimble, one of the first Board Members, remembered Bennett as, “a very deep Bennett was born on the Oneida Indian gentlemen and a gentle soul. I saw him always Reservation near Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 1912. looking for opportunities for Indian people.” His He attended Haskell Institute in Kansas before role as a co-founder is one of the many times he studied law at Southwestern University Law

Timeline 1869-1960’s 1970 • Boarding School Era – Indian Boarding School • Robert Bennett becomes director of UNM’s Policy established by the Federal Government, American Indian Law Center utilizing education to “kill the Indian, save the • The American Indian Graduate Scholarship man” in an attempt to assimilate Tribal people Program Committee (AIGC), John Rainer 1967 presiding, holds it first meeting • The BIA reports 13 American Indian graduate • AIGC (AIS) Awards first two recipients fall of students in the entire nation 1970, Donald McCabe & Vincent Knight. 1969 1971 • Robert Bennett assists in establishing the • Robert Bennett, David Warren and Joe Sando sign the articles of incorporation, and the National Indian Scholarship Program at the program title is changed to American Indian University of New Mexico, which would later be Scholarships, Inc absorbed by AIGC • John Rainer lays the groundwork to form 1974 American Indian Scholarship, Inc, which would • AIGC (AIS) moves the office to John Rainer’s later become AIGC property in Taos Pueblo • AIGC’s 1st Scholarship endowment is established by the Blue Spruce family in honor School in Washington D.C., where he earned his law degree in 1941. Much of his legal work supported Native land claims. For this work he was awarded the Indian Achievement Award in 1962 and Outstanding American Indian Citizen Award in 1966. His commitment and work representing American Indians caught the attention of many including President Lyndon B. Johnson.

In 1966 Bennett was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson to serve as the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. This appointment was historic as Bennet was only the second Native American to serve in this role. In this capacity, he often visited area offices where he was disappointed to find none of the offices were headed by AIGC Founder Robert L. Bennett - Oneida

of Dr. Beryl Blue Spruce. 1983 1975 • John Rainer participates in a Senate Budget • AIGC (AIS) Awards 22 students (12 men and 10 Committee field hearing on science and math women ) fellowships in the amount of $21,397. education, in Albuquerque, and later testifies The average award being $973. before the Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittee of Interior Affairs, urging 1981 funding for Indian higher education. • The Reagan administration reduces funding for all levels of Indian higher education from $282 • The House of Representatives approves million to $169 million recommendation of $978,000 BIA Contract. • To address the decrease in funding, John • John Rainer retires on December 31st. Rainier implemented outreach efforts which 1984 resulted in significant new funding streams for • AIGC (AIS) welcomes new Executive Director, the organization. Lorraine Edmo 1982 • The first AIGC Annual Report is produced. • AIGC (AIS) assists 158 students (80 women & 78 • AIGC (AIS) offices are relocated to men) by providing an average fellowship award Albuquerque, New Mexico of $3700. Native Americans. The seeds of this observation to the issues they had identified during their had likely been sown earlier at meetings with time in Washington, D.C. One of the solutions John C. Rainer (Taos Pueblo). Rainer and Bennett was to create a scholarship program focused met often during their time in Washington, on funding Native students in graduate and D.C., and could not help but notice the lack of professional programs. American Indian/Alaska Native professionals in all fields. They were aware that much of this was To this end, the newly established National due to a lack of funding for students seeking Indian Scholarship Program was founded at the graduate degrees. In fact, in 1967 a Report University of New Mexico in August of 1969. One on Indian Education for the American Indian of the first steps the men took was to establish Policy Review Commission noted there were a board to help set priorities and help get the only 13 Native students enrolled in graduate word out about the new program. The first Board studies. This was further proof of the need for of Directors was made up of some of the most more funding and opportunities to fund Native well-known Native scholars and professionals. students in graduate studies. Trimble remarked it was, “a virtual Who’s Who In 1969 Bennett left the Bureau of Indian Affairs of Indian scholars and leaders. They were all and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, doers.” The Board included, Joe Sando (Jemez where he became the director of the American Pueblo), Dave Warren (Santa Clara Pueblo) , Lucy Indian Law Center. That same year Rainer was Covington (Confederated Tribes of the Colville selected to direct the New Mexico Commission Reservation) , Ada Deer (Menominee), Overton of Indian Affairs. As their paths crossed again James (Chickasaw), Leah Manning (Shoshone- in New Mexico they set out to find a solution Paiute), Chuck Trimble (Oglala Sioux Tribe),

1985 with other National Native groups and Tribal • AIGC (AIS) starts a newsletter, The American scholarship offices. Indian Graduate Record. This later transitioned • AIGC awards 292 students (152 women and 140 into the American Indian Graduate magazine. men). The numbers for the fields of study were 1986 Law (103 recipients), Health (83), Education (63), • The two BIA Indian graduate programs are Business (32), Engineering (7), Religious Studies consolidated. Administration of the Indian Law (2), Natural Resources (1) and Fine Arts (1). Scholarship program is transferred from the 1989 American Indian Law Center to AIGC (AIS). • The organization name is formally changed to 1987 “American Indian Graduate Center” to reflect • AICG awards $1.6 Million in fellowships. It was its expansion in becoming a national center, estimated that students had an additional including additional services and programming. $500,000 in unmet need. The change also helped communicate AIGC’s mission of producing graduate and professional 1988 degree recipients. • The Board redefines AIGC (AIS) as a multi- • John Rainer and Robert Bennett are honored at service, rather than a sole scholarship the 20th anniversary event organization and enters cooperative efforts

Rainer and Bennett. The members voted to set “A virtual Who’s Who of up an independent office, apply for tax exempt Indian scholars and leaders. status and named Bennett the General Director. They were all doers.” On November 14, 1970, Rainer announced a - Chuck Trimble $15,000 transfer from the Donner Foundation to provide direct scholarship assistance. This million. Around this time the program also grant lead to the development of a contract with received results of a survey they had sent to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The following year past recipients to evaluate effectiveness and Bennett, Warren and Sando signed the Articles provide information for future proposals. They of Incorporation and the name of the program found they were providing financial assistance was changed to American Indian Scholarship, to less than 1/5 of all Native students attending Inc. That year one of the first scholarships graduate school and half of the recipients were awarded was to Donald A. McCabe, who women. The reduction in federal funding and was awarded $1,200 to support his studies in survey results highlighted the need to support Business Administration. McCabe would go on their work. The National Indian Lutheran Board to serve as President of the Southwest Indian donated $10,000 as seed money to generate Polytechnic Institution and would be one of the more funds. Exxon, Texaco, Arco and Syntex first of thousands of success stories and alumni. also contributed.

The work of the Center became even more By 1988, American Indian Graduate Center critical in 1981 when the Reagan Administration was well established. That year 152 women reduced funding for all levels of Native and 140 men received funding. These students higher education from $282 million to $169

1990 counselors, financial analysts, engineers and computer • AIGC receives first legacy gift. technicians. Additional survey information revealed that an At her passing Elizabeth Furber estimate 89% of tribal members earned $20,000 or less, bequests ¼ of her estate to AIGC and that only 3% had a college degree. for the Elizabeth Furber Scholarship 1996 Trust. • AIGC awards 538 students, with the highest numbers being 1991 Law (161), Health (160), followed by Education (59) and • AIGC receives 763 applications and Business (49) awards 427 fellowships (237 women 2000 and 190 men) • AIGC welcomes new Executive Director, Norbert S. Hill, Jr 1995 • AIGC is selected to administer the Gates Millennium • AIGC surveys all federally Scholar (GMS) Program for American Indian/Alaska Natives, recognized tribes to identify future resulting in the doubling of AIGC staff and office space. employment needs. The top ten American Indian Graduate Center Scholars (AIGCS) affiliate professional needs are (in order): is formed to manage the program, expanding service to business managers, lawyers, undergraduates. accountants, natural resources managers, doctors, teachers, represented 81 Tribes from 22 states. The documenting the needs of Native students. students were studying in the disciplines of Five years later American Indian Graduate law, health, religious studies, natural resources Center sent a survey to all federally recognized and fine art. Tribes to identify their future employment needs. The top ten professions reported (in Another milestone was reached in 1989 as the order of need) were: business manager, lawyer, organization celebrated its 20th anniversary. accountant, natural resource manager, doctor, The program underwent a final name change teacher, counselor, financial analyst, engineer to become American Indian Graduate Center. and computer technician. The survey also The name was changed to be more reflective found less than 3% of Tribal members had a of the organization’s expansion to become college degree. American Indian Graduate a national center with expanded services Center used this data to inform their work and activities. As American Indian Graduate and as reminders of the importance of their Center entered the 1990’s they expanded mission. their work and footprint with a $65,000 grant from the Department of Energy for a tracking The Center continued to grow and reached project to develop a national database of all another major milestone in 2001. American Native college students to be used as a way Indian Graduate Center was selected as one to identify potential graduate students for of the four partner organizations to help internship and employment opportunities. The administer the Gates Millennium Scholarship database would also assist in identifying and Program. This selection required American

2001 endowments in its history, ensuring the • John Rainer passes on September 22. sustainability of the many scholarship programs. • The Council of 100 inaugural meeting is held 2005 in September. The council is composed of • AIGC partners Accenture, LLP to administer its distinguished leaders, scholars and traditional first corporate scholarship program. individuals, who will serve as ambassadors • All Native American High School Academic for AIGC to foster Native student leadership, Team program is established to provide growth and development. support to high school seniors with high • AIGC begins publishing “The American Indian academic performance. Graduate” magazine. 2006 2002 • The National Scholarship Providers Association • Robert Bennett passes on July 11. names the American Indian Graduate Center as 2003 the 2005-2006 Scholarship Provider of the Year. • The first John Rainer Memorial Fellowships is 2007 awarded. • AIGC welcomes new Executive Director Sam 2004 Deloria. • AIGC receives the largest amount of 38 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org AIGC Founder John C. Rainer - Taos Pueblo

2011 2017 • AIGC receives the YAWA award for education, • AIGC welcomes new Executive Director from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Angelique Albert. 2012 • AIGC college prep program Know Before “U” • AIGC launches online scholarship application Go receives NAFOA’s Education Program of the services Year award • AIGC launches the Making the Grad Student of 2015 the Month Program • AIGC administers Year 1 of the Cobell • AIGC received the Chairman’s Leadership Education Scholarship Fund Award from the National Indian Gaming 2016 Association • The Gates Millennium Scholars Program • AIGC implements new strategic direction reaches goal of 20,000 scholars and the class of of holistic student support programming 2016 was the final cohort. Through AIGCS, the based on 20 years of data and informed best program empowered 2,715 outstanding Native practices from the GMS program supporting students and supported them throughout their the expansion of our partnerships with Tribes, educational journey. corporations, foundations and individuals.

The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 39 “A lot of times things like this turned into a one- time offering. Instead they built an organization with the capacity to grow and acquire more funding to provide more opportunities. I really think Bennett had a lot to do with that.” - Chuck Trimble

Indian Graduate Center to create American Islander American and Hispanic students with Indian Graduate Center Scholars, Inc to manage the opportunity to complete their undergraduate the scholarship. This addition doubled the staff studies in the degree of their choice. and office space required to administer the Gates The early 2000s were marked with huge growth, Millennium Scholarship. The scholarship was but American Indian Graduate Center also saw funded by a generous grant from the Bill and huge losses. Rainer passed away September 22, Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal of the Gates 2001. The next year Bennett passed away. They Millennium Scholarship Program was to fund were able to witness over 30 years of growth from 20,000 outstanding, low-income American Indian/ the scholarship program they started in 1969. Alaska Native, African American, Asian Pacific American Indian Graduate Center continues to

2018 2019 • Inducted inaugural AIGC Students of the Year, • AIGC launches new brand reflecting our Rebecca St. Germaine (Graduate) and Brook vision: successfully empowering our students Thompson (Undergraduate) were honored alongside their support systems at the National Indian Gaming Association • AIGC awarded 1340 students. The average Tradeshow and Convention award amount was $10,408 and the average • With the sunsetting of GMS, AIGC builds two unmet need for students was $22,552. new departments that result in the increased • AIGC collaborates with 8th Generation and student programs and diversified revenue three alumnae artists to create the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Blanket. Janelle Cronin, Maka Monture and Brittany Gene were the alumni artists selected from a national competition to design the blanket.

40 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org build and add partners to their work. Through What started as the idea of two men has grown to the support of endowed gifts, federal resources, become the premier national resource in funding corporate support, foundations, alumni and and continues to empower the next generation individual private donations American Indian of Native leaders across all sectors. It is hard to Graduate Center continues to grow. Last fiscal find a Native professional that does not have a year American Indian Graduate Center awarded connection to the Center as an alumni or friend nearly $15 million in scholarships and academic of the Center. Those that receive support from support services to 1,340 Native scholars. These American Indian Graduate Center often have scholars represent 202 tribes from 49 states. The similar feedback and recognize the Center is impact of American Indian Graduate Center can not just a scholarship granting organization, it is be seen throughout Indian Country. As Chuck family. The dream of Bennet and Rainer is being Trimble looked back on the history of the Center realized by so many. he remarked on the vision of Bennett, “A lot of times things like this turned into a one-time Bennet would be happy to know that if he were offering. Instead they built an organization with to walk into a BIA field office today, he would be the capacity to grow and acquire more funding met by another Native person running the office, to provide more opportunities. I really think surrounded by Native staff. His dream of creating Bennett had a lot to do with that.” It’s hard not to Native professionals extends past regional bureau hear the smile in Trimble’s voice as he recalls the offices to doctor’s office, classrooms, courts, beginnings of American Indian Graduate Center. laboratories, agencies, Tribal offices and beyond.

2020 • American Indian Graduate Center celebrates its 50th Anniversary by hosting a Gala in conjunction with the National Indian Gaming Association Tradeshow and Convention in San Diego, CA • American Indian Graduate Center celebrates a collective impact of $200,000,000 in scholarship and student support services offered to over 16,000 American Indian/Alaska Native students since inception. AIGC administers over 20 scholarship opportunities, in addition to offering support services that are designed specifically to address the needs of Native students in post-secondary education.

AIGC actively partners with Tribes, corporations, foundations, government agencies, nonprofits, and academic institutions to provide scholarship needs for students. Throughout our 50-year history we have empowered students from over 500 Tribes in all 50 states by providing scholarship dollars and support services for undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees.

The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 41 Special thanks to our alumni donors who participated in our match campaign.

If you would like to give, please visit: AIGCS.org/We-Rise-Together

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Native Librarian Advises, ‘It’s OK to switch gears’ by Kim Baca

When you talk with Dr. Sandy Littletree (Navajo Nation) about her background, she admits that she didn’t have a clue when mapping out her education.

44 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org AIGC Scholar Dr. Sandy Littletree - Navajo Nation

“I knew that I wanted to get a meant,” Littletree said. “I also had up. After reaching her junior and Ph.D because I just knew that was no role models and I had zero clue. senior years, she realized that the the highest educational level you I figured it out along the way.” career involved a Master’s degree, could go,” said the lecturer at the which included the study of medi- University of Washington Informa- Littletree went a long way in figur- cine, the brain, anatomy and phys- tion School, who graduated from ing it out. Littletree, who grew iology, subjects she really wasn’t U of W in 2018 with a Doctorate in up in Northwest New Mexico in interested in. Still, she kept with Information Science. Kirkland, started off as a commu- the program. nication disorders major at New “But I didn’t have a plan. I didn’t Mexico State University study- After graduating from NMSU, her even know why I wanted a Ph.D, ing speech language pathology interests then turned to teach- and I didn’t know what that even after having a lisp when growing ing when she did a year of Amer-

The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 45 iCorps back in Farmington, New New Zealand, that were doing A new opportunity then presented Mexico, and worked in adult liter- ground-breaking work in Indige- itself to oversee the University of acy and adult education. nous libraries and prospectives. Arizona’s School of Information’s Knowledge River, a scholarship “I really fell in love with liter- Indigenous libraries in these coun- program for Native and Latino acy and education, and helping tries were re-looking at classifica- students who want to become people read and getting ready tions and labels from their own librarians. Knowledge River for the GED. Then I thought, ‘Oh, culture and worldview. For exam- focused on leadership, program OK, I want to be a teacher or help ple, a shield in these libraries may development and retention of with education.’ And then I went get cataloged or classified as these librarians of color. It was back to NMSU to focus on literacy something other than a weapon that moment Littletree realized or reading specialist,” Littletree or utilitarian object such as an item how much she enjoyed helping to said, who received a Master’s in used for healing. The Maori in New create the next generation of infor- Zealand were mation-keepers. creating their “Finding the right path is challenging for a own thesaurus for “I could see myself in some of lot of us. Keep exploring. Don’t give up.” their language to their struggles – a lot of them were - Dr. Sandy Littletree help find items first-generation college students faster within the and a lot were dependent on that larger, estab- funding, so I really worked at help- Curriculum and Instruction and lished academic system. ing them stay in school, keep that went on to obtain a teacher’s funding and finish,” she said. license for high school and second- “I didn’t have a lot of experi- NATIVE YOUTH MEDIA TRAINING ary school to teach language arts. ences in a library growing up – I Seeing how much a support liked them but I thought that librar- system aided these graduate But the teaching career would be ies were just about books until I students, Littletree sought a Ph.D HANDBOOK short-lived after federal mandates realized that there was so much program that had a similar cohort such as No Child Left Behind, a more to this,” Littletree said of the structure. At the University of Bring Native Youth Media law that penalized schools and program that would plant the seed Washington, not only were there Training experts into your teachers for little improvement, for her Ph.D and studies into Indig- other Indigenous Ph.D students deterred her as an enthusiastic, enous libraries. but Indigenous faculty, which classroom! recent college graduate. she says was one of the keys to After earning a Master of Science success. Crafted by industry leaders, After “kind of stumbling along,” in Information Studies at UT-Aus- this handbook guides but still supporting herself and tin, Littletree then went to work “As an undergrad, I didn’t have a instructors of Youth Media being accountable to her family, as an academic librarian at North strong cohort but I’ve always been Training on step-by-step Littletree learned about and Carolina State University Libraries able to figure things out and get applied for a library science schol- in Raleigh through their Fellows by. But I felt as a Ph.D student at instruction, lesson plans, arship called Honoring Genera- Program. Though helping build this level and academia at this level activities and more! tions for Native Americans inter- new collections and instructional were so much different than being ested in Tribal librarianship from tools was something entirely new, an undergrad. Having that support the University of Texas at Austin. she knew something was missing. from other Indigenous Ph.D Under the direction of Dr. Loriene students and Indigenous faculty Download the guide Roy (Anishinabe), Honoring “I had awesome mentors and I was helped in achieving my goals and Generations provided mentor- learning a lot but I had this feeling feeling more comfortable in using ship, tuition support and a small deep down that I needed to do the research methods I wanted to FREE cohort. Part of the program also something, that I was giving back,” use,” she said. included travel to other areas of she said. at bit.ly/VMMYouthMedia the world, including Canada and “It also helped in expressing

46 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org my criticism of these informa- helped her succeed in school. admits trying to figure out what tion systems and helped me to she wanted to do in life was always understand the problems with “I’m actually debt-free,” Littletree a challenge. But she wasn’t afraid these systems but we could work said. “I have three Masters and a to investigate her interests, advice together to try and solve them … Ph.D and it’s all debt-free because she gives to others who also don’t Having these other scholars and of programs like American Indian have that educational road map. group of women showed me there Graduate Center and my Tribe. were other ways to engage with I was able to figure out oppor- “It’s OK to explore and go down literature and other ideas in find- tunities, all helping me focus on to different roads and if it doesn’t ing ways in making things better school and my family did not have feel right, it’s ok to switch gears,” for other people. “ to worry about it.” she said. “Finding the right path is challenging for a lot of us. Keep She also said having scholarships While she jokingly says she’s still exploring. Don’t give up.” and American Indian Graduate trying to figure out what she wants Center’s funding and support also to be when she grows up, she

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The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 47 AIGC Scholar Kelly Rae Cleveland - Navajo Nation, Lake Superior Band of Bad River Chippewa, Ute and Hopi

48 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org Lightning Woman by Kelly Rae Cleveland

The vast amount of tribulations and errors one Was I worthy of the invitation? Naturally, I is held accountable for can often cloud the thought, “no.” From those days of awkward desire to evolve past such moments. I, myself, stumbling’s, I have become a force to reckon am no stranger to the pressure of external and with in many rooms, classrooms and spaces. I internal factors competing with my passion to have a voice that no longer shakes with anxiety express my thoughts, actions and need to tell and fear of failing - instead, my voice carries stories. strong reverberations of noises calling others to action, empowering the communities I love From a young age, I often found myself at the and the families who define them. mercy of stories, mostly fiction, shared and forced upon me, to: learn from, agree with and As an individual who has gone through a drink as gospel. The environment I lived in was festering storm of betrayal, loss and grief - my not stable nor rich in the nutrients needed to constant has been pursuing my education, grow as a young disenfranchised individual. coupled with a desire to grow and love with Yet, I had to continue forward through the a quickening heart of agency. I often think of onslaught of terror and heartbreak. As I aged my four-year-old son, a large spirit confined in and saw the only constant in my life was chaos, a small body. How does he breathe in a world I decided to take a chance on someone who I where pollutants are unseen? How does he see often ignored: myself. not knowing what perfect vision is? How does he taste when he does not know the words The first time I invested in myself was by attend- appetite and craving? How does he hear with- ing school at a local state university - a place out having heard all the tones and melodies of extremely shy of the grandeur many of mentors a world older than him? He exists, and I exist thought I earned a right to pursue. Despite with him. the disappointment they felt for my future, an intangible force wholly unrecognizable to me, As I tread forward in my educational and I flourished in the excitement of scholarly rigor, professional career, I remind myself I am one tradition and strive for excellence. I was always of many who investigate questions as simple as able to blend into the walls of any room, an the ones articulated by children, much like my aesthetically pleasing decor of passive agree- child, who ask with courage because the alter- ment and doubt. It was a professor of mine who native: fear; does not do justice to the evolv- asked for me to “allow others to pick my mind” ing state of one’s spirit. Being an American as the words I shared on paper did not match Indian Graduate Center Scholar means being the vessel who entered his classroom. a warrior: a large spirit unconfined by anybody.

The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 49

Krista Boston-Fullerton

Stigler, OK Choctaw/Cherokee AIGC Fellowship

I have been blessed to have a family support system that motivates and encourages me in my educational endeav- ors. My husband and I, along with our two children, Rylan (15) and Ashlyn (6), live in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Both my husband and I juggle the role of being full-time employees and part-time students. In addition, our son is active in high school band and our youngest enjoys dance and ballet. Currently, I am the Tutor Coordinator at TRIO Student Support Services at Northeastern State University. My career in higher education started over 12 years ago and through the years, I have worked at a few different higher education institutions including a junior college, a four year regional university, a private college and a Tribal higher education office.

My undergraduate degree is in American Indian Studies and was obtained at Northeastern State University. In spring 2016, I graduated from NSU again, this time with a M.S. in Higher Education Leadership. The following fall, I began my journey as a doctoral student working towards a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. Throughout my post-secondary educational venture I have been a non-traditional student, working full-time and also holding roles as a mother and a wife. My current research interests include the persistence, retention and graduation rates of American Indian students and how these success indicators are influenced by the incorporation of culturally relevant support programming on college campuses.

52 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org Kiana Wood

Fairbanks, AK Chinik Eskimo Community Tribe Wells Fargo Undergraduate

I am a senior nursing student at George Fox University. I am currently in my senior practicum at Unity Center for Behavioral Health in the adolescent unit. I am passionate about what I do and hope to work as a pediatric nurse after I graduate. I am interested in the mental health field as well and strive to bring about awareness of mental health conditions. I am from the Chinik Eskimo Community Tribe of Golovin. It is a goal of mine to one day be a traveling nurse to villages of Alaska, meeting their various needs that can go undetected without frequent access to healthcare.

To me, being an AIGC Scholar means setting aside part of myself to focus on something greater – something that will benefit future generations and better the lives of others. Although it may be my education that is being funded, I see it as an investment to those I will be working with in my career.

Being an AIGC Scholar gives me a sense of hope that I can make a difference and that there are people out there who believe in me. I hope to give back to my community as a traveling nurse to the Native villages of Alaska. Being a scholar of an Alaska Native / Native American specific scholarship is part of my identity as an Alaska Native, as it gives me a hope that I can pass on to others that they too can pursue higher education and make a difference in their community.

The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 53 Jessica Buckless

Polson, MT Confederated Salish Tribe AIGCS/Gates Millennium

After receiving the Gates Millennium Scholarship in 2008, my studies took me to Hawaii, Missouri and then Minnesota where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Minnesota. Go Gophers! I then pursued a Master of Arts in Teaching from Hamline University. I began my teaching career as a preschool teacher and then as a third-grade teacher. This year, my second year of teaching third grade, I started an educational doctorate program from the University of Northern Colorado. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program has shaped my life in ways that I never knew were possible. I have had opportunities to work with students of color from all backgrounds. My background has inspired me to become an administrator to help American Indian students succeed. My third graders inspire me to be better every day and my experience growing up on the Flathead Reservation has taught me that teachers can have one of the biggest impacts on a child’s life, especially if they can connect to them culturally. I grew up watching my grandfather, Joe McDonald, change the lives of so many people on the Flat- head Reservation by helping start Salish Kootenai College. I witnessed the college grow and change and the commitment my grandfather had in making a difference in the community through education. I will be the second person in my family to earn a Doctorate in Education after my grandfather.

He has inspired me to be better and to go back to our community and make a difference through education. If I can make even half of the impact that my grandfather has had on education, my life would be fulfilled.

54 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org Ty Montgomery

Coats, KS Chickasaw Nation Wells Fargo Undergraduate

Ty Montgomery of Coats, Kansas, is a freshman student at Oklahoma State University. He is dual majoring in Biochemistry and Animal Biotechnology through the college of Agriculture. At OSU, Ty is a member of the President’s Leadership Council, Collegiate Block & Bridle and the Rugby team. Ty has been active in Boy Scouts, holds the highest rank of Eagle Scout and is a member of the Order of the Arrow Honor Society.

While in high school, Ty was a varsity letterman in football, garnering many district and league awards. Being involved in 4-H for eleven years and holding leadership positions in the Kansas Junior Red Angus Association has allowed him to develop many professional relationships in the beef and agriculture industry. Ty plans to complete his undergraduate work at OSU and pursue a graduate degree at Kansas State University. Ty is the son of Kenneth & Lori Montgomery of Coats.

The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 55 Jordan Oglesby

Shiprock, NM Navajo Nation Special Higher Education Program

Jordan Oglesby (Diné) is a member of the Navajo Nation from Shiprock, New Mexico. She received her B.B.A. with a concentration in Finance from the University of New Mexico in 2017 and is currently a third-year law student at the University of New Mexico School of Law. After attending PLSI through the American Indian Law Center, Inc. in 2017, she subsequently served as a PLSI Teaching Assistant in 2018. Jordan is Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Tribal Law Journal and the National NALSA Public Relations Director. She is pursuing an Indian Law Certificate and plans to use her law degree to focus on missing and murdered Indigenous women as well as supporting sustainable economic development in Indian Country.

56 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org Katelynn Morgan

Talala, OK Cherokee Nation Science Post Graduate Scholarship Fund

I went to high school at Oologah-Talala Public Schools. I graduated ranked first in my class and received the Valedictorian award. I am a second-year civil engineering student. I am currently a resident assistant at the University of Arkansas campus. I am a Lead Hog adviser and mentor, the University of Arkansas Chapter of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society treasurer, the American Indian Science and Engineer- ing Society Regional Representative and National Residence Hall Honorary Director of Administration and Finance. I will be studying abroad this summer in Italy and hopefully studying abroad next spring in Australia. This past summer I participated in a research experience for undergraduates at the University of Arkansas. There, I experimented to find an extraction method to removed dicamba herbicide from soybean biomasses. After graduation, I am hoping to move to Houston to be closer to my sister and begin my career. For my career, I want to focus my degree towards the environmental side of civil engineering.

The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 57 Kelly Cleveland

Bloomfield, NM Navajo Nation Special Higher Education Program, AIGC Graduate Named Scholarship

Kelly Cleveland is an alumna of the University of New Mexico, Eastern New Mexico University and San Juan College. Her specialty is in Education with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in English Language Arts. She has completed a Master’s certificate program in TESOL as well as a certification for having completed an Alternative Licensure Program in Secondary Education. Her teaching experience is based on teaching English with high school students in Bloomfield, New Mexico, within both a regular and alternative high school setting. She has worked under the BIE’s FACE program as an Adult Education and Preschool teacher and is a firm believer in the strength of community to empower children, youth and adults as leaders for the current and next generation.

Ms. Cleveland is a graduate student at the Institute of American Indian Arts, working towards her MFA in Creative Writing with a poetry focus. All things considered, aside from being a young working professional – Ms. Cleve- land is proud to have been raised in a multi-linguistic family with heritage and cultural background composed of the following tribes: Navajo, Lake Superior Band of Bad River Chippewa, Ute and Hopi. Currently, she works as a Prevention Specialist at the Native American Community Academy and enjoys writing comedy skits and routines in her free time. 58 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org Brittni Biscelgia

Durango, CO Cherokee Nation Science Post Graduate Scholarship Fund

My name is Brittni Bisceglia. I am presently a freshman at Fort Lewis College (FLC) in Durango, Colo- rado, where I am majoring in Public Health and minoring in Psychology. I thrive on being active and I try to engage in as many activities as possible. For example, I am on the FLC cheer team where I presently cheer for football and volleyball (and soon I will also cheer for basketball). I also enjoy traveling during various weekends with the FLC club tennis team to surrounding tennis tournaments. Additionally, I have recently been named the Chief of Association on the Animas Association Advi- sors (i.e. the counsel for my dorm at Animas Hall) where I am responsible for leading Animas Asso- ciation meetings and actively recruiting new members. I love volunteering at Wolfwood Refuge in Ignacio, Colorado, where I feel I can make a difference in making our world a better, more humane place.

The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 59 Jermayne Tuckta

Warm Springs, OR Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation Special Higher Educations Program

I was raised on the Warm Springs Reservation of Central Oregon and born in the neighboring town of Madras, Oregon. When I was growing up, I thought I was lucky, because I had the chance to hear my mater- nal grandmother speak our heritage language with her sisters, and also had the chance to experience our culture and spirituality through my paternal grandmothers side of the family. This has motivated me to work with other fluent speakers of my dialect in my community, and to advance my fluency in the language.

Now that both my grandmothers are gone, I only hear my heritage language during ceremonies. I wish to change that and hear my heritage language being spoken amongst my community again and to fully understand my own culture. My efforts, so far, include some community classes that I have offered in Language classes and tule mat classes. One day, I hope to offer so much more to my community and bridge the knowledge of my elders to future speakers so that our language and culture does not become dormant.

60 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org Aiyana Pitts

Gardnerville, NV Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California Wells Fargo Undergraduate

My name is Aiyana Pitts and I am 18 years old. I am currently a freshman at the University of Nevada, Reno. I am happy to say that I was born and raised here in Nevada and am an enrolled member of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. Growing up on the Dresslerville Reservation, I am the oldest of four children. This makes me the first child that my parents are sending to college. Ever since I was little, I have been blessed with the ability to do well in school, and because of this, I was always recognized by my tribe for my educational success. By attending and succeeding in college, I hope to defy the odds and silence the stereotypes that can often be placed upon youth growing up on a reservation.

Coming from a community where family is highly valued, I tend to spend my free time with my family or taking care of my younger siblings. I finished my first semester with a 3.74 GPA and though I am proud of myself, I am working for a 4.0 from here on out because I know that it is possible. In order to meet my career goal, I plan to keep attending the University of Nevada, Reno, and graduate from the College of Liberal Arts with my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. From there, I hope to get accepted into Stanford Law School and graduate with my Juris Doctorate.

The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 61 Natacha Messerly Doney

Hays, MT Blackfeet AIGCS/Gates Millennium

My name is Natacha Messerly Doney, and I am an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe. I have been married for six years, and together, my husband and I have adopted several fur babies: Morby, Lily and an unnamed kitten I found on Highway 2. Fort Belknap is the place I call home, but I currently teach grades 7-12 English Language Arts in Dodson, Montana. From an early age, I knew I wanted to help the local youth in any way I could. I saw some of the problems my friends were going through and decided that earning a teaching degree would help me achieve this goal. I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and English in December 2016, and this fall I will begin the journey of obtaining my Master’s Degree in Education. Fitness is an important part of my life. One of my favorite hobbies is running in the Little Rockies. Every summer I look forward to competing in local fitness challenges for fun. In the winter I enjoy attending CrossFit classes. In addition to running, I also love Panda Express orange chicken, trying new coffees, reading American and British literature, hanging out with friends and family and spending too much money at Target.

62 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org Taylor Sokolowski

Lexington, VA Monacan Wells Fargo Undergraduate

Taylor is part of the Monacan Indian Nation of Virginia and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Busi- ness Administration, Finance at Elon University. In addition to her Finance Major, she has Minors in both Accounting and Sport Management. She is a Dean’s List Scholar and currently maintains a 3.6 GPA. Taylor is a member of Sigma Kappa, Kappa Zeta at Elon. She participates in the Sigma Kappa Walk to End Alzheimer’s, where she was a Top Ten Fundraiser for 2017. In addition to Sigma Kappa, Taylor is the Family Room Assistant Director for Elonthon. Elonthon is a 24-hour dance marathon that raises funds and awareness for Duke Children’s Hospital. Elonthon has raised over 2 million dollars since its inception in 2003. In her free time, Taylor volunteers as a lacrosse coach for Triad Youth Lacrosse League. Taylor spends her summers working as an office assistant at Full Circle Catering and volunteering as a classroom assistant for the College Orientation Workshop held at Virginia Military Institute. Taylor’s long-term goal is to complete her Master’s degree in Sport Management and pursue a career in Sports Finance.

The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org 63 64 The American Indian Graduate | Spring 2020 | www.aigcs.org With American Indian Graduate Center’s 50th Anniversary: A Nation of Scholars celebration drawing near, honor our 50-year legacy with our commemorative Turtle Blanket.

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